SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving college, high school and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. Each year, SkillsUSA hosts the National Leadership and Skills Conference Championships, which features hands-on competitions that test students’ skills in one of over 100 competitions.
SGIA serves as the printing industry representative and coordinates the Screen Printing Technology and Graphic Imaging-Sublimation competitions. SGIA’s Johnny Shell, Ray Weiss and Erin Nuss attended SkillsUSA’s 2018 Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and provided their unique perspectives on the event and its importance to the printing industry.
Johnny Shell, SGIA Vice President of Print Technology & Training
“The goal of SkillsUSA is to improve the quality of our nation’s future workforce through the development of personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. The skills included provide a common language for students to articulate what they gain from SkillsUSA participation to employers, school administrators, parents and their peers. It also assesses development along a learning continuum of awareness, demonstration and mastery. This ensures quality student-led experiences that build skills at all levels.”
Ray Weiss, SGIA Director of Digital Print Programs
“SkillsUSA relies on its competing students and volunteer judges, who work hard to set the stage for our future workforce. For example, in the Graphic Imaging-Sublimation competition we use seven testing stations – from sublimating on coffee mugs and mini blackboards to an oral interview gauging their overall knowledge – to understand the students’ skill sets and in which areas they succeed. They get hands-on exposure to equipment and processes, and get to practice essential skills that could ultimately shape their career first-hand."
Erin Nuss, SGIA Manager of Academic & Training Programs
“We had the privilege of participating in the 2018 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference and seeing today’s outstanding technical education students who will make up tomorrow’s workforce. This is our seventh time working at the event, and I can confidently say that managing and carrying out these competitions is no easy feat. The on-site volunteers and supporters supply everything from set-up assistance to needed equipment, and the students provide exciting competition as they display their printing abilities. We take pride in rewarding these hard-working graphic communication students who are eager to enter the printing industry.”
If you would like more information about the event, or would like to volunteer your time, contact Erin Nuss!